JP2017037384A - Free space management system and free space management program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a free space management system and a free space management program capable of efficiently managing unoccupied seats etc.SOLUTION: A free space management system 100 includes a plurality of guest seat terminals 41 and a controller unit 10. Each of guest seat terminals 41 is disposed to each table 40 being associated with each other and each guest seat terminal is given with an identification table number. Responding to a completion operation, the guest seat terminal 41 transmits a completion notification including own table number to the controller unit 10. The controller unit 10 outputs a piece of information indicating a table 40 relevant to the table number included in the completion notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

  The present invention relates to an empty facility management system and an empty facility management program.

  At food courts in shopping malls, etc., customers receive food and drink ordered at each store, and search for and secure vacant seats. Or, after securing a seat, order the desired food or drink at the store. However, when the seats are almost full, it is difficult to find a vacant seat, it is difficult to stand in front of a seat that seems to be vacant, and the desired seat cannot be taken. Also, the store side has a problem that it is costly to have a staff member who manages vacant seats.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for grasping the state of being used or vacant by order information or clearing information. Staff can also manage vacant seats.

JP 2000-123258 A

  However, in the conventional system, since the vacant seat is determined based only on indirect information, there is a problem that efficient vacant seat guidance is difficult.

  For example, in the system of Patent Document 1, vacant seat management is performed based only on indirect information such as completion of accounting processing, employee confirmation of customer exit, and a certain amount of usage time. doing. For this reason, there are customers who use the seat for a long time after completing the accounting first, a long time elapses between the customer leaving and the confirmation work of the employee, or a longer or shorter time than usual. If there is a customer who uses the system, there may be a difference between the actual vacant seat and the vacant seat determined by the system, and it is difficult to provide efficient seat guidance.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a vacant facility management system and a vacant facility management program capable of more efficiently managing vacant seats and the like. .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the vacant equipment management system according to the present invention is a vacant equipment management system comprising a plurality of equipment terminals and a control device,
The facility terminals are provided in association with different facilities, respectively, and associated with facility identification information for specifying each,
The equipment terminal has a function of transmitting an end notification including its own equipment identification information to the control device according to a predetermined end operation,
The said control apparatus is provided with the completion | finish equipment output function which outputs the information which shows the installation which concerns on the equipment identification information contained in the said completion | finish notification.

The empty facility management system further includes a facility state display device provided in association with each of the facilities,
The control device may further include a function of changing the facility status display device related to the facility identification information included in the termination notification to a predetermined state in response to receiving the termination notification.
The facility terminal may further include a function of performing a display prompting the end operation in response to a predetermined end notice operation.
The facility terminal may have a function of transmitting information indicating an order for food and drink to the control device.
The empty facility management system further comprises a plurality of standby receivers,
The standby receiver is portable,
The end facility output function is:
A function of associating one of the standby receivers with the facility identification information included in the end notification in response to receiving the end notification;
And a function of transmitting a call notification to the associated standby receiver.
The controller is
A function for storing the usage status indicating whether each facility is vacant,
A function of accepting equipment request operation for requesting equipment allocation;
When the equipment corresponding to the equipment request operation is not available, the standby identification information corresponding to the equipment request operation, the equipment identification information related to each equipment corresponding to the equipment request operation, or an area including the equipment identification information A function of associating and storing information in the first database;
With
In response to receiving the end notification, the end facility output function associates the facility identification information included in the end notification with one of the waiting party identification information based on the first database, A function of storing in two databases may be included.
The control device further has a function of updating the usage status to indicate that the equipment is not available when the equipment corresponding to the equipment request operation is available, and outputting information identifying the equipment. You may prepare.

  Moreover, the vacant equipment management program which concerns on this invention makes a computer connected with the control apparatus function as the above-mentioned equipment terminal.

  According to the vacant equipment management system and the vacant equipment management program according to the present invention, the new customer is guided to the equipment used by the customer based on the direct termination operation by the customer. It can be done more efficiently.

It is a figure which shows the example of a structure containing the empty equipment management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the communication connection structure between each component of the empty equipment management system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the table | surface arrangement | positioning DB of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of reception management DB of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the desk condition DB of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the operation | movement performed when the empty equipment management system of FIG. 1 receives a desk request | requirement operation. It is an example of the screen displayed in relation to the flowchart of FIG. It is an example of the screen displayed in relation to the flowchart of FIG. It is an example of the screen displayed in relation to the flowchart of FIG. It is an example of the screen displayed in relation to the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the operation | movement performed when the vacant equipment management system of FIG. 1 receives completion | finish notice operation. It is an example of the screen displayed in relation to the flowchart of FIG. It is an example of the screen displayed in relation to the flowchart of FIG. It is an example of the screen displayed in relation to the flowchart of FIG. It is an example of the screen displayed in relation to the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the operation | movement performed when the vacant equipment management system of FIG. 1 receives completion | finish operation. It is an example of the screen displayed in relation to the flowchart of FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a configuration including an empty facility management system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The vacant equipment management system 100 manages occupancy status of equipment, that is, information indicating whether the equipment is in use or vacant. In this embodiment, a table 40 installed in a food court or the like is a management target as an example of equipment.

  The vacant facility management system 100 includes a control device 10, a receiving device 20, a plurality of pagers 23 (standby receivers), a cooking instruction terminal 30, and a plurality of passenger seat terminals 41 (equipment terminals). The vacant facility management system 100 includes a status display lamp 42 (facility status display device) and a seat 50. The status display lamp 42 and the seat 50 are provided in association with each of the tables 40.

  The reception device 20 includes a reception terminal 21 (also functions as a guidance display device). In addition, the reception device 20 can provide a portable pager 23 to the customer. For example, the receiving device 20 may have a structure capable of storing a plurality of pagers 23 therein, and in that case, the pager 23 may be provided at the outlet 22 as illustrated.

  The pager 23 is associated with a pager number (standby identification information) for specifying each. The pager number is printed, attached or stored on the pager 23, for example. The pager number can be expressed in the form of a barcode, for example. The receiving device 20 includes means for receiving an input of a pager number. A means for receiving the input of the pager number is, for example, a barcode reader 24 connected to the reception terminal 21.

  Each of the passenger seat terminals 41 is provided in association with a different table 40, and in the example of FIG. The passenger seat terminal 41 is fixed to the table 40, for example. The installation position is, for example, the center of the upper surface of the table 40 and is fixed by being embedded in the table 40, for example. The table 40 is provided with one or more seats 50 (four in the example of FIG. 1). A user of the table 40 (for example, a customer of a food court) sits on the seat 50 and operates the passenger seat terminal 41 while using the table 40. Can be used.

  The status display lamp 42 performs a different display according to a control signal transmitted from the outside (for example, from the control device 10 or from the passenger seat terminal 41). The display is performed by, for example, an LED. For example, it is possible to display such as lighting in red, lighting in blue, lighting in yellow, and extinguishing. As will be described later, this display includes what is performed in relation to the status of the desk 40. The status display lamp 42 is fixed to the table 40, for example. The fixed position is, for example, the upper surface or the upper side of the table 40.

  Each component of the vacant facility management system 100 may be arranged over a plurality of areas, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a store area A1 dedicated to a specific store providing food and drink in the food court and a customer seat area A2 that can be used by customers of the food court may be configured. Moreover, the control apparatus 10, the reception apparatus 20, and the cooking instruction terminal 30 may be arrange | positioned in store area A1. In particular, the reception device 20 may be arranged at a position (a storefront or the like) where the customer can operate, and the cooking instruction terminal 30 may be arranged at a cooking place in the store. The table 40 and the seat 50 may be arranged in the passenger seat area A2.

  The table 40 may be arranged in a plurality of areas. In the example of FIG. 1, one or more of the tables 40 are arranged in the first area A3, and another one or more are arranged in the second area A4.

In FIG. 2, the example of the communication connection structure between each component of the vacant equipment management system 100 is shown.
The control device 10, the reception terminal 21, and the cooking instruction terminal 30 are connected so as to be communicable with each other via the in-store communication network N1. The in-store communication network N1 is a wired network, for example, but may be a wireless network.

  Furthermore, the control device 10 and the passenger seat terminal 41 are connected to each other via a passenger seat communication network N2 so that they can communicate with each other. The control device 10 and the status display lamp 42 are also connected to each other via the passenger seat communication network N2 so as to communicate with each other. The status display lamp 42 does not have a transmission function, for example, but may have a transmission function. The passenger seat communication network N2 is a wired network, for example, but may be a wireless network.

  Further, the control device 10 and the pager 23 are connected so as to be communicable with each other via the wireless communication network N3. As the pager 23, for example, a pager capable of communicating within 300 m from a predetermined transmitter (for example, a transmission antenna installed in association with the control device 10) can be used. The wireless communication network N3 is a network constructed by, for example, a store manager, but may be a network operated by a communication connection company (so-called network provider or the like). The pager 23 functions as a receiver that does not have a transmission function, for example, but may be a transceiver that has a transmission function.

  In FIG. 3, the example of a structure of the control apparatus 10 is shown. The control device 10 includes a configuration as a computer, and includes a calculation unit 11 that performs calculation and a storage unit 12 that stores information. Although not particularly shown, the apparatus includes an input unit that receives a user's operation, an output unit that outputs information, and a communication unit that inputs and outputs information to an external communication network.

  The computing means 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the storage means 12 includes, for example, a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The input means includes, for example, any one of a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse. The output means includes, for example, a liquid crystal display. The communication means includes, for example, a network interface device or a wireless interface device.

  Similarly, the reception terminal 21, the cooking instruction terminal 30, and the passenger seat terminal 41 include a configuration as a computer. The pager 23 includes a configuration as a known pager, but may be replaced by another terminal including a configuration as a computer having a wireless communication function. The reception terminal 21, the cooking instruction terminal 30, and the passenger seat terminal 41 can be configured using a known tablet terminal.

  The storage unit 12 of the control device 10 stores a table arrangement DB 71, a reception management DB 72, and a table status DB 73.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the desk layout DB 71. A table number that identifies each table number is associated with the table 40, and the table arrangement DB 71 associates, for each table number, an area in which the table 40 related to the table number is arranged. Here, as described above, since the table 40 is provided with the passenger terminal 41, the table number is also associated with the customer terminal 41, and is information (equipment identification information) for identifying the customer terminal 41. It can be said that there is. In the present embodiment, the information for specifying the table 40 and the information for specifying the passenger terminal 41 are the same, but they may be different information as long as they are associated with each other.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the reception management DB 72. The reception management DB 72 includes information related to reception processing for each customer (or group of customers; the same applies hereinafter). The reception process can be said to be a process in which, for example, a customer who newly visits the food court receives an input of a table request operation (equipment request operation) for requesting allocation of the table 40. The reception management DB 72 associates identification information (reception number) for specifying a table request operation with information related to the table request operation.

  The information related to the table request operation includes, for example, the time when the table request operation is performed (acceptance time), the area that the customer desires to use (desired area), and whether there is an empty table 40 at the time of reception. No (reception available) and a pager number (standby identification information) that identifies the customer who has waited for the desk 40 to become available. In the example of FIG. 5, the time does not include the date, but may include the date. The same applies to the following description.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the table status DB 73. The table status DB 73 associates information regarding the use of the table 40 related to the table number with respect to each table number. The information related to the use of the table 40 includes, for example, a reception number (corresponding to the reception number in the reception management DB 72) related to a request for a table request of a customer who is currently using the table 40, and a time ( Corresponding to the reception time of the reception management DB 72), the time when the customer started using the table 40 (seating time), information relating to the end of the use of the table 40, the usage status of the table 40, and And a pager number for identifying a customer who has been waiting for the desk 40 to become available.

  The information related to the end of use includes, for example, the time when the customer in use expresses the intention to end the use of the table 40 (end notice time), the time from the intention expression to the end of use (end preparation time), It includes the time when the customer actually ends the use (end time).

The usage status is, for example, one of “vacant”, “waiting for seating”, “calling”, “busy”, “waiting for termination”, and “exceeding notice time”.
-"Free" indicates a state in which there is no customer who currently uses or plans to use the desk 40, and the desk 40 can be used immediately after the new customer's desk request operation is completed.
-"Waiting for seating" and "Calling" indicate that no customer is currently using the desk 40, but is waiting for the start of use by a specific customer and cannot be used by another customer. . In particular, “waiting to be seated” represents a state in which guidance processing for the customer to the desk 40 has been completed, and “calling” represents a state in which guidance processing for the customer to the desk 40 has not been completed.
-"In use" indicates a state in which a specific customer is using and cannot be used by another customer.
-“Waiting for termination” is used by a specific customer, and the customer has already expressed his intention to terminate the usage within a specified time. It represents a state where it cannot be done.
-“Exceeded notice time” is used by a specific customer, and the customer has already expressed his intention to end the use within the specified time. It means that it is continuing and cannot be used by another customer.

  Thus, the usage status is information indicating whether each desk 40 is available. If the usage status is “free”, it can be said that the desk 40 is free, and if the usage status is “waiting for seating”, “calling”, “using”, “waiting for termination” or “exceeding notice time”, It can be said that the desk 40 is not empty (that is, cannot be used immediately by another customer).

  Although not particularly illustrated, the storage unit 12 of the control device 10 stores a control device program. This control device program causes a computer to function as the control device 10. Similarly, the passenger seat terminal 41 stores a passenger seat terminal program (equipment terminal program). This passenger seat terminal program causes a computer to function as the passenger seat terminal 41.

  This passenger seat terminal program constitutes an empty facility management program according to the present invention. The vacant facility management program may include other programs. For example, a part or all of the control device program may be included, or a cooking instruction terminal program or a pager program stored in the storage unit of the cooking instruction terminal 30 or the pager 23 may be included. Each computer implements each function described in this specification by executing each program.

The operation of the vacant facility management system 100 configured as described above will be described below.
7, 12, and 17 are flowcharts for explaining an example of the operation flow of the vacant facility management system 100. The vacant facility management system 100 receives a predetermined operation from a customer and performs an operation according to the operation.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the flow of operations executed when the vacant equipment management system 100 receives a predetermined console request operation.
The control device 10 receives a console request operation (equipment request operation) (step S11). The desk request operation is an operation in which a new customer requests assignment of a desk as described above. This operation may be received by the control device 10 via the receiving terminal 21. Here, the control device 10 determines a reception number indicating a table request operation.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen displayed in association with reception of this console request operation. The table request operation may specify a corresponding table (or a set of tables). For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the customer can designate a desired set of tables corresponding to the table request operation by selecting and operating a predetermined button. For example, when the customer selects the first area, a table request operation corresponding to a table arranged in the first area (table numbers A001 to A003 in the example of FIG. 4) is accepted.

  Next, the control device 10 determines whether any of the tables corresponding to the received table request operation is free (step S12). This determination is made based on whether or not the usage status is “vacant” in the table status DB 73, for example.

  If any of the corresponding tables is available, the control device 10 adds a line corresponding to the reception number indicating the table request operation being processed to the reception management DB 72 (step S13). The line added here includes the reception number, the reception time (for example, the time when step S11 was executed), the desired area (for example, the region selected in step S11), and that there was a vacancy at the time of reception. Information.

  Next, the control device 10 determines a table to be used by the customer (step S14). For example, one table is selected from among the tables corresponding to the table request operation based on a predetermined standard (for example, the one that is vacant for the longest time, etc.).

  Next, the control device 10 updates the usage status in the table status DB 73 so as to indicate that the table determined in step S14 is no longer available (step S15). For example, the usage status is changed to “waiting for seating”. Here, the control device 10 further stores the reception number and the reception time in association with the table in the table status DB 73.

  Next, the control device 10 changes the status display lamp 42 installed on the table determined in step S14 to a predetermined state (for example, lights in blue) (step S16). However, step S16 can be omitted. In that case, the state of the status display lamp 42 is not changed.

  Next, the control device 10 provides guidance to the customer by outputting guidance information for specifying the table (step S17). For example, the guidance information is transmitted to the reception terminal 21 and displayed on the reception terminal 21. The guide information includes a map display in this embodiment. The map is, for example, an image with a mark displayed at a position corresponding to the table determined in step S14 in a predetermined area (passenger seat area A2 or the like).

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen displayed in association with this guidance display. In addition to the map, the guidance display includes, for example, a message indicating that the table is vacant or that the table has been secured, a reception number, and a predetermined seating operation after seating (for example, a reception number from the passenger seat terminal 41). Message prompting to input).

Here, the customer moves to the table determined according to the guidance display, and performs the seating operation at the passenger seat terminal 41 of the table. In this embodiment, the customer inputs a receipt number.
FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen displayed in relation to the seating operation. The customer can input the receipt number by operating a button representing a number.

  The passenger seat terminal 41 receives this seating operation (step S18), and transmits a seating notification indicating that the seating operation has been performed to the control device 10 (step S19). The seating notification includes the desk number of the passenger seat terminal 41 itself that transmits the seating notification. In the present embodiment, the seating notification includes a reception number input in connection with the seating operation.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the control device 10 refers to the table status DB 73 and determines whether or not the reception number associated with the desk number included in the received seating notification matches the reception number included in the received seating notification. If they do not match, an error display may be performed and then the process may return to step S18.

  In response to receiving the seating notification, the control device 10 changes the usage status of the table in the table status DB 73 to “in use” (step S20). Here, the control apparatus 10 further stores a seating time (for example, the time when step S19 is executed) in association with the table in the table status DB 73. Next, the control device 10 changes the status display lamp 42 installed on the table to a predetermined state (for example, turns on red) (step S21).

  If no table corresponding to the table request operation is available in step S12, the control device 10 supplies the pager 23 to the customer (step S22). The pager 23 is provided, for example, through the outlet 22 of the receiving device 20. A person skilled in the art can arbitrarily design the configuration of the reception device 20 for providing the pager 23 from the outlet 22 in accordance with the control of the control device 10.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen displayed in association with the execution of step S22. This display is displayed on the reception terminal 21, for example. This display includes, for example, a message indicating that the table is not available, a message prompting to receive the pager 23, and a pager 23 number (hereinafter “pager number”) (standby identification information). A message that prompts the pager 23 to read the message (a message prompting the barcode reader 24 to read the message in this figure), a message indicating that the pager 23 is notified in response to the availability of the table, a reception number, including.

  Next, the control device 10 acquires a pager number (standby identification information) associated with the console request operation (step S23). For example, the pager number is acquired by the bar code reader 24 and transmitted to the control device 10 when the bar code reader 24 reads the bar code printed on the pager 23 by the customer.

  The pager number can be obtained by various methods. For example, a store clerk may be arranged near the reception device 20, and the store clerk may hold the pager 23 over the barcode reader 24. Alternatively, the reception device 20 may automatically acquire the pager 23 as it is provided. Alternatively, if the pager 23 is capable of dynamically changing the pager number, the control device 10 may determine the pager number, obtain it, and give it to the pager 23.

  Next, the control device 10 adds a line corresponding to the reception number indicating the table request operation being processed to the reception management DB 72 (step S24). The line added here includes the reception number, the reception time (for example, the time when step S11 was executed), the desired area (for example, the region selected in step S11), and there was no vacancy at the time of reception. And the pager number acquired in step S23.

  Here, since the desired area is information that indirectly specifies a table (or a set of tables), the processing in step S24 relates to the pager number corresponding to the table request operation and each table corresponding to the table request operation. It can be said that this is a process of associating a table number (or a list of table numbers) and storing it in the reception management DB 72 (first database). In other words, the desired area is area information including a table number, and the processing in step S24 associates the pager number corresponding to the table request operation with the area information including the table number related to each table corresponding to the table request operation. Thus, it can be said that the process is stored in the reception management DB 72 (first database).

  As described above, the vacant facility management system 100 guides the customer if there is a vacant table, and causes the customer to wait with the pager 23 if there is a vacant table.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the flow of operations executed when the vacant equipment management system 100 accepts a predetermined end notice operation.
The passenger seat terminal 41 accepts the end notice operation (step S31). The end notice operation is an operation in which a customer who uses the table notifies the end of the use of the table within a predetermined time.

  13 and 14 show examples of screens displayed in association with the execution of step S31. These screens are displayed on the passenger seat terminal 41, for example. When the button labeled “return preparation” is operated in a state where the screen of FIG. 13 is displayed, the screen of FIG. 14 is displayed, and the end preparation time can be designated. In such an example, the end notice operation specifies the end preparation time by operating any button on the screen of FIG. 14 after operating the button labeled “returning preparation” on the screen of FIG. Corresponds to a series of operations.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a screen displayed by the passenger seat terminal 41 in response to the end notice operation. This screen includes a display for prompting a predetermined end operation (described later with reference to FIG. 17).

  Upon receipt of the end notice operation, the passenger seat terminal 41 transmits an end notice notification indicating that the end notice operation has been performed to the control device 10 (step S32). The notice of completion notice includes the desk number of the passenger seat terminal 41 itself that transmits the notice of completion notice and the preparation time for completion.

  In response to receiving the notice of completion notice, the control device 10 changes the use status of the table to “wait for completion” in the table status DB 73 (step S33). Here, the control device 10 further stores the end notice time (for example, the time when step S33 is executed) and the end preparation time in association with the table in the table situation DB 73.

  Next, the control device 10 starts from the time at which the end notice notice is received, and waits until the end preparation time for the table is exceeded (step S34). Although not shown in the figure, when the passenger terminal 41 accepts an end operation for the table while waiting (that is, during execution of step S34), the vacant equipment management system 100 ends the process of FIG. Then, the processing of FIG. 17 (described later) may be started.

  After step S34, the control device 10 changes the usage status of the table to “exceeded notice time” in the table status DB 73 (step S35), and changes the status display lamp 42 installed on the table to a predetermined state. (For example, it is lit in yellow) (step S36).

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen displayed in association with execution of steps S35 and S36. This screen is displayed on the passenger seat terminal 41, for example. The passenger seat terminal 41 displays the screen of FIG. 16 according to the control of the control device 10. This screen includes a message indicating that the end preparation time has already passed.

  In this way, the vacant facility management system 100 accepts the end notice from the customer and prompts the end of use in accordance with this.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the flow of operations executed when the vacant equipment management system 100 accepts a predetermined end operation.
The passenger seat terminal 41 accepts an end operation (step S41). The ending operation is an operation for notifying that a customer who has used the table has finished using the table (or leaving the table, releasing the occupation of the table, etc.). The end operation corresponds to, for example, the operation of a button labeled “OK” on the screen of FIG. 15 or FIG.

  Upon receipt of the end operation, the passenger seat terminal 41 transmits an end notification indicating that the end operation has been performed to the control device 10 (step S42). The end notification includes the desk number of the passenger seat terminal 41 itself that transmits the end notification. In response to receiving the end notification, the control device 10 changes the status display lamp 42 installed on the corresponding desk (in other words, the status display lamp 42 related to the desk number included in the end notification) to a predetermined state. (For example, turn on blue) (step S43).

  Next, the control device 10 determines whether or not there is a waiting customer who desires the table (step S44). For this determination, for example, the reception management DB 72 is referred to, and there is a table request operation corresponding to the table (that is, a table request operation for which an area including the table is desired) associated with the pager number. This is done by determining whether or not.

  If there is no waiting customer who desires the table, the control device 10 changes the usage status of the table to “free” in the table status DB 73 (step S45). Here, the control device 10 may further delete information (acceptance time, seating time, information related to termination, and usage status) associated with the table in the table status DB 73.

  In step S44, when there is a waiting customer who desires the table, the control device 10 determines a customer to be guided to the table (step S46). For example, the earliest reception time is selected from the table request operations corresponding to the table. Here, since a pager number is assigned to each of the waiting customer's desk request operations, the control device 10 receives one of the pagers 23 as the end notification in response to receiving the end notification. It can be related to the included table number.

  Next, the control device 10 changes the usage status of the console to “calling” in the console status DB 73 (step S47). Here, the control device 10 further stores the table status DB 73 in association with the pager number associated with the table request operation selected in step S46.

  Thus, in response to receiving the end notification, the control device 10 associates the table number included in the end notification with one of the pager numbers based on the reception management DB 72 (first database). , Stored in the table status DB 73 (second database). In more detail, the control device 10 applies to each table corresponding to the table request operation associated with the corresponding pager number in the reception management DB 72 (that is, each table arranged in a desired area designated in the table request operation). In response to receiving the end notification including any one of the table numbers, the table number included in the end notification and the pager number are associated with each other and stored in the table status DB 73.

  Here, the control device 10 may delete the pager number in the reception management DB 72.

  Next, the control device 10 transmits a call notification to the customer determined in step S46 (step S48). For example, the pager number associated with the table request operation selected in step S46 is referred to, and a call notification is transmitted to the corresponding pager 23. The call notification is a notification for calling a customer to the reception terminal 21, for example.

  Although not shown, the pager 23 outputs a predetermined output when receiving this call notification. For example, an alarm sound, vibration, display of a call message, etc. are output.

  Next, the control device 10 accepts a predetermined call response operation (step S49). The call response operation is an operation for notifying the control device 10 that the customer has been called in response to the call notification. The call response operation includes an input of a pager number, and is received via the receiving device 20, for example. The call response operation corresponds to, for example, an operation in which the customer causes the barcode reader 24 to read the barcode printed on the pager 23. In response to this operation, the control device 10 acquires the corresponding pager number.

  In response to acquiring the pager number associated with one of the table numbers in the table status DB 73, the control device 10 changes the use status of the table to “waiting for seating” (step S50). Here, the control device 10 may further delete the pager number associated with the table in the table status DB 73.

  Here, the pager 23 may be collected. For example, a message prompting the user to return the pager 23 to a predetermined collection place may be displayed at the reception terminal 21, and the store clerk may receive the pager 23 from the customer.

  Next, the vacant facility management system 100 executes the same processing as steps S17 to S21 in FIG. 7 (steps S51 to S55). The guidance information displayed in step S51 is information indicating a table related to the table number included in the end notification transmitted / received in step S42 (for example, at a position corresponding to the table in a predetermined area as shown in FIG. 9). Image with a mark display).

  The process of FIG. 17 can be said to be a process for realizing a function (end facility output function) for outputting information indicating a table whose use is ended.

  Although not particularly shown in the flowchart, the passenger seat terminal 41 may have a function of transmitting order information representing food and drink orders to the control device 10. For example, the passenger's seat terminal 41 may display a screen for prompting food and drink after receiving a seating operation.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen that prompts food and drink orders. This screen is displayed in association with the execution of steps S35 and S52, for example. The passenger seat terminal 41 accepts food and drink orders and transmits order information representing the accepted orders to the control device 10 in response to an operation on an operable object (not shown) such as a button displayed on this screen. . The order information includes, for example, a table number, a menu number for specifying food and drink, and a value representing the quantity.

  The control device 10 receives this order information. The control device 10 may transmit the received order information to the cooking instruction terminal 30. The cooking instruction terminal 30 may display the received order information.

  As described above, according to the vacant equipment management system 100 and the vacant equipment management program according to the first embodiment, the equipment (table 40) used by the customer based on the direct termination operation by the customer. Since new customers are guided, it is possible to guide empty facilities more efficiently.

In the first embodiment, the following modifications can be made.
The configuration of the management target is not limited to that of the first embodiment. The seat 50 and the status display lamp 42 may not be provided, and the passenger seat terminal 41 does not need to be fixed to the table 40. Further, the managed equipment is not limited to the table 40. The facility may be a seat 50, and in that case, a passenger seat terminal 41 may be provided in association with each seat 50. In addition, the equipment may be another device or the like, may be a room or a building, or may be a specific area or space.

In the first embodiment, the guidance information includes a map (FIG. 9), but may not include a map. For example, if a table number is displayed on each table 40, it is possible to provide guidance using only the table number.
If the guide information including the reception number is printed on paper and delivered to the customer, the customer can surely input the reception number at the passenger terminal 41.
Further, the seating operation in step S18 may not be performed on the customer, and the store clerk may specify the desk number corresponding to the customer terminal 41 from the reception terminal 21 and change it to “in use”. In this case, the customer can omit the trouble of inputting the reception number, and the order of food and drink can be performed smoothly.

  In the first embodiment, the control device 10 and the reception terminal 21 are provided as separate computers, but they may be the same computer. That is, the control device 10 may have all the functions of the reception terminal 21. Further, the control device 10 may include a bar code reader 24.

  In the first embodiment, the in-store communication network N1, the passenger seat communication network N2, and the wireless communication network N3 are different networks, but any two or all of them may be the same network.

  The end notice operation and the end operation are not limited to those in the first embodiment. For example, the end preparation time may be fixed, and in that case, the screen for selecting the end preparation time may be omitted. Further, the end notice operation is not limited to the customer's positive return intention expression as shown in FIG. 13, but may be a more passive operation (for example, lack of intention to continue use). For example, display the button that says “Continue” along with the message “If you want to continue using, please operate the button below” and within a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) It may be interpreted that the end notice operation is accepted when the button is not operated.

  Although the pager 23 is used in the first embodiment, a configuration in which the pager 23 is not used may be employed. For example, the vacant facility management system 100 may include a printing device, and instead of the pager 23, a piece of paper on which a reception number or waiting person identification information is printed may be provided in step S22. Both the reception number and the waiting person identification information may be printed. In this case, one may be printed with letters or numbers and the other with a barcode. In that case, in place of the process of step S48, a call process for calling a customer who is given a specific reception number or standby identification information is performed.

  This calling process may be realized by a predetermined calling terminal (the control device 10 may also serve as this) and a speaker arranged in association with the passenger seat area A2. For example, the calling terminal may display the reception number or the waiting person identification information, which may be read by a store clerk or the like and broadcast to the customer by voice or the like.

  Further, instead of the pager 23, an RFID or the like may be used. In this case, the standby identification number can be stored electronically in an RFID or the like, and can be read using an RFID reader or the like instead of the barcode reader 24.

  In the first embodiment, the table request operation is accompanied by designation of an area including a plurality of tables. However, designation of the area may be omitted, and in that case, all the tables are treated as being included in a single area. May be. In this case, the table arrangement DB 71 may be omitted. In this case, it is not necessary to store the desired area in the reception management DB 72. Further, the table request operation may be configured to designate one table instead of the area. In that case, the reception management DB 72 may store the desk number of the desired desk instead of the desired area.

  In the first embodiment, the control device 10 performs the display change (step S36) of the status display lamp 42 when the end preparation time is exceeded, but this may be performed by the passenger seat terminal 41. In that case, the passenger seat terminal 41 may be configured to be communicable with the status display lamp 42. For example, the passenger seat terminal 41 starts from the time when the end operation is accepted, waits until the end preparation time is exceeded, and changes the status display lamp 42 to a predetermined state after the time is exceeded (for example, turns on yellow).

  In addition to the processing of the first embodiment, special processing for a customer who has been waiting for a long time may be performed. The customer who has been waiting for a long time corresponds to a table request operation in which the pager number remains associated for a long time (for example, 30 minutes or more) in the reception management DB 72, for example. For example, the control device 10 periodically refers to the reception management DB 72 to detect a console request operation that has passed for a long time from the reception time, and executes a process for inquiring whether or not to change the desired area. May be. A process for inquiring whether or not to change the desired area can be arbitrarily designed by those skilled in the art.

Information other than that shown in FIG. 4 may be added to the table layout DB 71. For example, when the maximum number of seats varies depending on the table, the maximum number of seats may be associated and stored. In this case, an input of the number of people in the group may be accepted in the table request operation, and a table to be guided to the group may be determined based on the number of people in the group and the maximum number of seated people.
Moreover, you may comprise corresponding to the size of an area and a table. For example, if the first area is set to be an area with a four-seat table and the second area is set to be an area with an eight-seat table, the customer can select the area and respond to group desk request operations. be able to.
In the console request operation in step S11, “anywhere” may be added as an option. In that case, all the tables are targeted for the determination of the availability of the tables in step S12.

  10 control device, 23 pager (receiver for standby), 40 table (equipment), 41 passenger terminal (equipment terminal), 42 status display lamp (equipment status display device), 100 vacant facility management system, 71 table layout DB 72 reception management DB (first database), 73 table status DB (second database).

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the vacant equipment management system according to the present invention is a vacant equipment management system comprising a plurality of equipment terminals and a control device,
The facility terminals are provided in association with different facilities, respectively, and associated with facility identification information for specifying each,
The equipment terminal is
A function for displaying a prompt for a predetermined end operation in response to a predetermined end notice operation;
Depending on the end operation, the completion notification including the own equipment identification information, including a <br/> the function of transmitting to the control device,
The said control apparatus is provided with the completion | finish equipment output function which outputs the information which shows the installation which concerns on the equipment identification information contained in the said completion | finish notification.

The empty facility management system further includes a facility state display device provided in association with each of the facilities,
The control device may further include a function of changing the facility status display device related to the facility identification information included in the termination notification to a predetermined state in response to receiving the termination notification .
Before SL equipment terminal, the information representing the order of the food may have a function of transmitting to the control unit.
The empty facility management system further comprises a plurality of standby receivers,
The standby receiver is portable,
The end facility output function is:
A function of associating one of the standby receivers with the facility identification information included in the end notification in response to receiving the end notification;
And a function of transmitting a call notification to the associated standby receiver.
The controller is
A function for storing the usage status indicating whether each facility is vacant,
A function of accepting equipment request operation for requesting equipment allocation;
When the equipment corresponding to the equipment request operation is not available, the standby identification information corresponding to the equipment request operation, the equipment identification information related to each equipment corresponding to the equipment request operation, or an area including the equipment identification information A function of associating and storing information in the first database;
With
In response to receiving the end notification, the end facility output function associates the facility identification information included in the end notification with one of the waiting party identification information based on the first database, A function of storing in two databases may be included.
The control device further has a function of updating the usage status to indicate that the equipment is not available when the equipment corresponding to the equipment request operation is available, and outputting information identifying the equipment. You may prepare.

Claims (8)

An empty equipment management system comprising a plurality of equipment terminals and a control device,
The facility terminals are provided in association with different facilities, respectively, and associated with facility identification information for specifying each,
The equipment terminal has a function of transmitting an end notification including its own equipment identification information to the control device according to a predetermined end operation,
The control device includes an end equipment output function for outputting information indicating equipment related to equipment identification information included in the end notice,
Empty equipment management system. The empty facility management system further includes a facility state display device provided in association with each of the facilities,
The control device further includes a function of changing the facility status display device related to the facility identification information included in the termination notification to a predetermined state in response to receiving the termination notification.
The vacant facility management system according to claim 1.   The vacant facility management system according to claim 1, wherein the facility terminal further includes a function of performing a display prompting the end operation in response to a predetermined end notice operation.   The said equipment terminal is a vacant equipment management system as described in any one of Claims 1-3 provided with the function to transmit the information showing the order of food and drink to the said control apparatus. The empty facility management system further comprises a plurality of standby receivers,
The standby receiver is portable,
The end facility output function is:
A function of associating one of the standby receivers with the facility identification information included in the end notification in response to receiving the end notification;
Including a call notification to the associated standby receiver,
The vacant equipment management system as described in any one of Claims 1-4. The controller is
A function for storing the usage status indicating whether each facility is vacant,
A function of accepting equipment request operation for requesting equipment allocation;
When the equipment corresponding to the equipment request operation is not available, the standby identification information corresponding to the equipment request operation, the equipment identification information related to each equipment corresponding to the equipment request operation, or an area including the equipment identification information A function of associating and storing information in the first database;
With
In response to receiving the end notification, the end facility output function associates the facility identification information included in the end notification with one of the waiting party identification information based on the first database, Including the ability to store in two databases,
The vacant equipment management system as described in any one of Claims 1-5.   The control device further has a function of updating the usage status to indicate that the equipment is not available when the equipment corresponding to the equipment request operation is available, and outputting information identifying the equipment. The vacant equipment management system according to claim 6 provided.   The vacant equipment management program which functions as the said equipment terminal as described in any one of Claims 1-7 for the computer connected with the control apparatus.

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